Is there a cheaper way to buy from "REALLY RIGHT STUFF"

[mitchell3417]

This post is out of control. All the OP wants to know is if he can get the tripod for less than what he found. That's not a crime. I don't care if you're a professional, amateour, hobbyist, rich, poor, you should still be looking for the best deal. No one wants to feel like they spent more money than they have too. The OP didn't ask our advice on what tripod to purchase or if his financial situation and income justify the purchase. He's just looking to save a buck. Let's all take a deep breathe and answer the man's question.

 

[rumorzmonger]

It seems that the only way to buy from this American company, is to buy directly
None on eBay and no dealers

Question 1: Is there a "cheaper" way, or a way to get a discount on new stuff?
Question 2: Are UK VAT and duties, a guaranteed consequence on all imports from them

I am intending to buy the TVC-24 Tripod with BH-40 LR Ballhead
I needed some other stuff from themWith other attachments
So, the bill kept mounting
Add to that over $100 shipping

The total amounted to just over £1000,, before VAT and Duties
Which gave me a sort of heart attack
Any advice?

Thanks

Why would you think that buying indirectly, and paying for one or more middle men to take their profits on top of the original selling price, could somehow be cheaper than buying direct?

If you want to save money, buy a Gitzo tripod and Arca-Swiss ball head - they are much better quality and cost less (and also weigh less...)

 

[unfocused]

This post is out of control. All the OP wants to know is if he can get the tripod for less than what he found. That's not a crime. I don't care if you're a professional, amateur, hobbyist, rich, poor, you should still be looking for the best deal. No one wants to feel like they spent more money than they have too. The OP didn't ask our advice on what tripod to purchase or if his financial situation and income justify the purchase. He's just looking to save a buck. Let's all take a deep breathe and answer the man's question.

+1 or more. The poor guy/gal asked a simple question. No need to berate him/her for that. I did a quick internet check. Doesn't appear to be any likelihood of scoring a discount. In fact their website says point-blank they don't give discounts (even for members of professional organizations).

 

[Loswr]

Why would you think that buying indirectly, and paying for one or more middle men to take their profits on top of the original selling price, could somehow be cheaper than buying direct?

Because sometimes there is - for example, Adorama has an eBay storefront that offers new items, shipped by them, for much less than their regular online store.

If you want to save money, buy a Gitzo tripod and Arca-Swiss ball head - they are much better quality...

That's a debate best left for another thread.

 

[KitsVancouver]

I wonder again how photographers in the past were able to take amazing shots with crappy cameras and tripods compared to what we have today Imho the photographer makes the photo not the camera...

These comments are so misleading and completely out of context.

First of all, if you didn't think gear made a difference, you wouldn't be on this forum reading about gear and to some extent, gear that doesn't even exist! So if you really believed your statement, you'd be out taking pictures instead of reading a rumours forum.

I love the post about the 10D. If the camera doesn't matter, then everyone would be using a 10D or their iPhones. I watched a lot of Olympics and didn't see one photographer with an iPhone or a Rebel or a 10D. The camera matters and that's a fact, so you're trite remark is misleading to anyone who is doing research on a forum.

Lastly, the comment that a great camera won't help a crappy photographer is also misleading. Assuming, the user knows how to turn on the camera and even use it on auto, even if his composition is poor, a better camera is going to give him a better quality file. That's fact. It might look like crap and it might be poorly exposed, but with a better camera, he's going to have a better file to work with and a better file to pass on to his kids (if he chooses).

I can't believe how many people state that gear doesn't matter. The irony is that many of these people post on gear forums so it's clear they believe gear matters. Either that or they like to waste their time I suppose.

People are allowed to buy whatever they want. If the OP wants to spend a grand on a tripod, he's allowed to and doesn't need anyone to lecture him.

To the OP: I've seen RRS gear used in on the B&H used site. I don't know if it ends up cheaper, but it's worth giving it a look. Also, take a look at the various market sites on message boards. That's if you don't mind buying used.

 

[woollybear]

I would think that if only the very best use the very best, then no one would make the very best because there are so few of the very best...I'm sure someone can say this better, but hopefully you get my point...